Perfect Summer Getaways for July-August Family Vacation with Wife and Kids

1. Yeliguan, Gansu Why Go? With an average summer temperature of 18°C, Yeliguan is a hidden cool oasis in the Loess Plateau! Vast grasslands, serene lakes, and mystical canyons await—minus the crowds. Let the whole family unwind in nature’s embrace🏞️. A true escape from the heat! Must-Visit Spots **Ye Lake**: Like a giant sapphire, the lake mirrors distant mountains and drifting clouds. Prayer flags flutter by the shore. Kids can skip stones or spot cold-water fish🐟, while golden sunsets take your breath away. **Chibi Canyon**: Fiery-red cliffs form a wind-cooled gorge. Holding your child’s hand here feels like an adventure, with bizarre rock formations straight out of a movie📸. **Lianhua Mountain**: An easy hike through wildflowers, buzzing bees, and occasional squirrels🐿️. Perfect for scenic photos and playful animal chasing. Itinerary **Day 1**: Ye Lake—rent a tent, laze by the water, and catch the sunset. **Day 2**: Morning at Chibi Canyon; local snacks for lunch; afternoon hike up Lianhua Mountain. **Day 3**: Visit Tibetan villages for dance performances and souvenirs before heading back. Local Eats **Hand-torn Lamb**: Tender, salt-dipped, and kid-friendly🥩. **Barley Pancakes**: Crispy-sweet, paired with yogurt for a refreshing bite. --- 2. Mengtun Valley, Sichuan Why Go? Chilled by snowmelt, this 22°C valley demands light jackets! Pristine snow peaks, forests, and streams offer crowd-free fun—roll on meadows, splash in rivers, and soak in Sichuan’s wild beauty🏞️. Ideal for kids! Must-Visit Spots **Gaoqiao Gully**: Shaded streams where kids play with water guns💦, while moms snap photos on sun-dappled rocks. **Laojun Gully**: Gentle trails with wildflowers and yaks🐄—kids love the novelty. **Mengtun Ancient Fort**: Stone-and-wood village where locals hand out candy. Sunset strolls feel like stepping into a utopia. Itinerary **Day 1**: Splash at Gaoqiao Gully; stay in a Tibetan-style homestay. **Day 2**: Morning hike to Laojun Gully; afternoon kite-flying on meadows. **Day 3**: Explore the ancient fort; stock up on yak jerky before leaving. Local Eats **Butter Tea**: A warming, salty sip🥛. **Corn Dough Soup**: Tangy and spicy—kids devour it. --- 3. Shennongjia’s Nine Lakes, Hubei Why Go? A 20°C "natural AC"! Nine interconnected lakes, misty mornings☁️, and quiet trails let families bike, spot wildlife, and bond with nature—perfect for little explorers. Must-Visit Spots **Deer Park**: Feed gentle deer up close🦌—pure joy for kids. **Wetland Bike Ride**: Pedal past swaying reeds and birds🚲; picnic by the breeze. **Water Sinkhole**: Watch rivers vanish into the earth—nature’s magic lesson. Itinerary **Day 1**: Deer feeding; lakeside sunset. **Day 2**: Morning biking; afternoon sinkhole adventure. **Day 3**: Forest mushroom-hunting before departure. Local Eats **Lazy Tofu**: Fragrant bean paste over rice🥣. **Mountain Greens**: Lightly stir-fried—healthy and crisp. --- 4. Longtanli Village, Pingnan, Fujian Why Go? A 25°C "Jiangnan-style" hamlet with babbling streams and ancient bridges🏡. Uncommercialized charm lets kids fish in shallow waters while moms capture vintage photos. Must-Visit Spots **Longtan Stream**: Crystal-clear for net-fishing🎣 and nostalgic photography. **Wan’an Bridge**: Time slows under its aged eaves⏳, watching villagers pass by. **Jinzao Bridge**: A grander bridge with mirror-like reflections—worth the stroll. Itinerary **Day 1**: Village exploration; overnight in a homestay. **Day 2**: Relax at Wan’an Bridge; afternoon at Jinzao Bridge. **Day 3**: DIY crafts and souvenir shopping before leaving. Local Eats **Smoked Rabbit**: Chewy, aromatic🐰. **Yin-Yang Noodles**: Silky with a light broth—comfort in a bowl.